Federal Legislation

The Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.1869; S.819) was reintroduced in 2017 It has many cosponsors. (see www.congress.gov)

The Paycheck Fairness Act includes increasing the penalties for violations of the Equal Pay Act and other federal laws against discrimination in compensation. A major problem in closing the women's wage gap is the lack of motivation for employers to follow the laws, because the penalties are not sufficient and enforcement is not effective.